Great classic gambling history of US, only $18 total (includes postage). I just picked up some more of this book -- softcover 2003 reprint in excellent unused condition. PayPal OK.
Very readable. Many pictures. 493 pages. Covers all the gambling games (faro, poker, craps, lottery, policy, etc.), all the gambling centers (Washington DC, Saratoga, NYC, Mississippi River, MidWest, etc.), all the personalities (Morrissey, Canfield, et al). A "must" for the gambling enthusiast.
Synopsis:
Originally published in 1938 by Asbury (The Gangs of New York), this informal history of gambling in the United States explores its legal, and illegal, origins in the pre-World War I era and as far back as Colonial times by examining the gambling houses, big and small, which peppered the American landscape. Illustrations., Originally published in 1938, Sucker's Progress is a complete look at old-time gamesmanship in America. From Midwestern riverboats to East Coast racetracks, Asbury explores the legal, and illegal, history of gambling in pre-World War I America. With a keen eye and acerbic voice, Asbury defines the world of gambling as one of "sharpers" and "suckers": those who excel at the games by cheating, and their victims. From notorious gambling havens like Chicago and New Orleans to lesser-known outposts in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Cincinnati, Ohio, Asbury examines the gambling houses, big and small, which peppered the American landscape. Also included are photographs and details of the lives of some of America's most famous gamblers, including Mike McDonald, John Morrissey, and Richard Canfield, as well as their infamous counterparts like "Canada Bill" and "Charley Black Eyes," who made their names as grifters and con men. Asbury also details the games these men played, describing the rules and origins of a number of dice and card games. From one-dollar lottery tickets to thousand-dollar poker antes, America's love of gambling thrives today, but it was during Asbury's era that gambling was established as an American passion.
Softcover
ISBN 10: 1560254955 ISBN 13: 9781560254959
Publisher: Thunder's Mouth Press, 2003
Product Identifiers
ISBN-10 1560254955
ISBN-13 9781560254959
Key Details
Author Herbert Asbury
Format Paperback
Publication Date 2003-03-26
Language English
Publisher Basic Books
Publication Year 20030000
Additional Details
Copyright Date 2003
Illustrated Yes
Dimensions
Weight 23.1 Oz
Height 1.4 In.
Width 5.5 In.
Length 8.2 In.
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